Legal blindness among 10-year-old children in Metropolitan Atlanta: prevalence, 1985 to 1987.

The prevalence of legal blindness in 10-year-olds in metropolitan Atlanta was 6.8 per 10,000 during 1985 to 1987. The prevalence was 8.8 per 10,000 in Black boys, 8.6 per 10,000 in White boys, 6.7 per 10,000 in White girls, and 1.8 per 10,000 in Black girls. Retinopathy of prematurity was the most common known cause (1.0 per 10,000). Of the 61 cases, 40 had other disabilities, including 14 with mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. The low prevalence among Black girls and the frequent occurrence of blindness with other disabilities are noteworthy.